The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is introducing new guidelines on lead exposure to limit risk fr residents across the United States, and that is forcing City Utilities in Springfield to update service lines for tens of thousands of customers.
In a release Tuesday, CU asked customers to identify water line materials to ensure folks are safe from lead exposure.
Officials say the utility-owned lines across the city have already been checked and confirmed to be lead-free.
Reports say that any portion of the water line that extends from the residence or business to the water meter are the responsibility of the owner, therefore residents must self-identify the materials for their own safety.
CU officials say that any property built in 2014 or later should be considered safe. All comprised lines have to be replaced by 2037.
To encourage people to check their lines, City Utilities is offering a $20 gift card to the first 2,500 customers to report material.